How Is the List Price Set in a Probate Sale?

Pricing a probate home combines two things: the probate referee's date-of-death appraisal and a current market analysis of comparable sales. The referee's value anchors the estate's records and, in a court-confirmed sale, sets a floor, since the accepted price generally must be at least 90 percent of that appraisal.

But the appraisal is not always today's market value, especially in a fast-moving market or for a home in unusual condition. A good listing price reflects what motivated buyers will actually pay now, positioned to attract competing offers. In full-authority sales you have more pricing flexibility; in confirmation sales you price with the 90 percent rule and the overbid dynamic in mind. We prepare a detailed comparative market analysis for every estate so the price is both defensible and strategic.